Awakenings from Then ’til Now allows you to Embrace Your Past, Empower the Present, Enrich Your Future.

Welcome to Awakenings

Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Pop, rock, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, techno, soul and gospel, all have unique sounds of their own. Recording artists cross over from one genre to another but not all master multiple genres with No.1 hits. In other words, only a few have sung it all. In today's spotlight is a full-throated, robust baritone who is one such singing legend.

Tom Jones: a Welsh rock, pop, blues and soul singing legend best known as a hit maker over the last five decades in the U.S. and U.K.

Welsh
singerSir Thomas Jones Woodward is best known by his stage name Tom Jones. Emerging from the British Invasion in the
mid-1960s Jones became one of the most popular vocalists of the era. Tom Jones began singing at an early age, regularly singing at family gatherings, weddings and in his school choir. At 12 years old, Jones developed tuberculosis. Many years later he said: "I spent two years in bed recovering. It was
the worst time of my life." During convalescence he could do little else
but listen to music and draw.

Since then he has sung nearly every form of popular music –
pop, rock, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, techno, soul and gospel – and
sold over 100 million records. Jones' bluesy singing style developed out of the sound of American soul music. His early influences included blues and R&B singers.

1966 Tom Jones was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with his version of
'Green Green Grass Of Home'. It stayed at No.1 for seven weeks giving
Decca records its first million selling single by a British artist. The song was also a No.1 in Germany for nine weeks and
a No.11 hit in the US.

1973The Carpenters went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Top Of The World', their second US No.1, which was also a No.5 hit in the UK.
Country singer Lynn Anderson covered the song and her version became her
first hit when it reached No.2 on the US country singles charts in
mid-1973.

1984Jim Diamond was at No.1 in the UK singles chart with 'I Should Have Known Better'. The song was displaced after one week by Band Aid's
charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas’. Diamond publicly
requested that people not buy his single, but instead buy 'Do They Know
It's Christmas’'

1990Vanilla Ice started a four-week run at No.1 in the UK with the
single 'Ice Ice Baby'. The track sampled the bass intro to the Queen and
David Bowie No.1 'Under Pressure'. 'Ice Ice Baby' was initially
released as the B-side to the rapper's cover of 'Play That Funky Music',
and became the A-side after US DJ's started playing it.

1987 A Kentucky teacher lost her appeal in the US Supreme Court over
her sacking after showing Pink Floyd's film 'The Wall' to her class. The
court decided that the film was not suitable for minors with its bad
language and sexual content.

1997Kenny G set a new world record when he held a note on his
saxophone for 45 minutes and 47 seconds. (The record has since been
broken by Geovanny Escalante, who held a note for 1 hour, 30 minutes and
45 seconds, using a technique that allows him to blow and breathe at
the same time).

In the Christmas Spirit...

2008Wham's 'Last Christmas' was the most played festive track of the
last five years. The Performing Right Society put the 1984 hit at the
top of their chart of seasonal songs, just ahead of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas'. The Pogues came third with 'Fairytale of New York',
recorded with the late Kirsty MacColl and first released in 1987. Other
featured artists include Slade, Mariah Carey and Bruce Springsteen.

We know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away so in September, Apple Time celebrated Eat an Apple Day, aka International Eat an Apple Day. Supposedly on that day any variety or color apple was on the menu with encouragement to eat anything apple related. There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples worldwide so finding an apple should never be a problem. Eat a Red Apple Day is the day to bite into a fresh apple that is simply red.

Red Deliciousis a classic - America’s favorite snacking apple. The
heart-shaped fruit is bright red and sometimes striped. Crunchy with a
mildly sweet flavor, Reds are also great in salads. Washington apple
growers have been producing the world’s best Red Delicious apples since
the 1920s. They’re harvested in September and October and available
throughout the year.

The Fuji, immensely flavorful, new variety was introduced to the U.S. from
Japan in the 1980s, but now the U.S. produces more Fujis than Japan.
Each year, this big, super-sweet, crisp apple gains new fans. The Fuji
holds its texture when baked. It's known for its hard texture and syrupy
sweetness. It's also excellent for baking and salads. Washington's cool
weather in the late fall helps develop its reddish-pink color and
superb flavor. Fujis are harvested in October and can be purchased
October to August.

The Braeburn apple’s rich, sweet-tart, spicy flavor is high-impact. Color
varies from orange to red over a yellow background. Aromatic, juicy and
crisp, this apple is very firm. Braeburns are great for snacking and
baking. Washington growers harvest the variety in September and early
October. Consumers can purchase Washington Braeburns from October
through July.

Developed by the University of Minnesota, Honeycrisp has bright red and
pale green outer skin and a cream colored crisp yet juicy inner flesh.
With a sweet yet slightly tart flavor, this variety of apple is great
for salads, baking, cooking or eating as a snack. The Honeycrisp Apple
was created to grow well in cooler northern climates. It is a variety
that stores well.

The Gala apple is a hybrid of the Golden Delicious apple, developed in
New Zealand during the 1920s. This small, two-toned apple has a sweet
flavor and a firm texture. It is recommended for eating raw and for use
in pies and other baked goods.

The Cameo is a cultivar of apple, discovered by chance by the Caudle family in a Dryden, Washington orchard in 1987. Its parentage is uncertain; it may be a cross between a Red Delicious and a Golden Delicious, since it was found near orchards of those fruits; [1]
it also appears similar to the original Delicious cultivar. It is
bright red striped over creamy orange, firm and crisp with an aromatic
flavor. It is among the top ten most grown apples in Washington.

New York Empireapples are red, juicy, firm, crunchy and sweet. They ripen during September and October, and will keep until January. The original seed was a cross between the varieties McIntosh and Red Delicious. Empire apples are excellent for eating and salads, and good for sauce, baking, pies and freezing. It is an ideal lunch-box apple, not least because it does not bruise easily.

The Rome apple is rounded, all red, and very glossy, with a thick skin and
firm flesh. It is primarily used for baking, as its flavor develops when
cooked, and it holds its shape well. It is commonly described as less
desirable as an eating apple because of its subtle flavor that is not as
sweet, flashy, or tart as some other varieties, yet it is the favorite
eating apple of many. It comes to market in late September and is
considered a good keeper. 'Rome' apples are widely grown and available,
and are a staple variety in American commerce.

Round
in shape and medium sized the skin of the Winesap apple is dark red in color.
Its firm flesh is crisp and exceptionally juicy with a creamy yellow hue.
Winesap apples are highly aromatic with a balanced sweet tart taste and get
their name due to their distinctive spicy wine like flavor.

Round
in shape and medium sized the skin of the Winesap apple is dark red in
color. Its firm flesh is crisp and exceptionally juicy with a creamy
yellow hue. Winesap apples are highly aromatic with a balanced sweet
tart taste and get their name due to their distinctive spicy wine like
flavor.

By this time you should be READY to bite into a juicy red apple...Go for it!

So much to celebrate during the month of December with Christmas being at the top of the list! Every day is overflowing with tantalizing aromas and music in the air as multitudes of people hit the shopping malls looking for the best gift, the best buy. Lengthy lists, crowded stores, long lines and hectic plans too often become the defining moments for Christmas.

December is Bingo's birthday month. The game was originally called “beano” and dates back to 1530 with the Italian variation called Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia.
Bingo was made by toy salesman, Edwin S. Lowe, who initially overheard
someone accidentally yell “bingo!” in their utter excitement playing
Beano at a carnival. He produced the first commercial version of the
game, which retailed at $1.

Challenge: Do you consider yourself your own best friend? Write a letter to yourself about the corrent events in your life. Seal it, stamp it, store it away and mail it to yourself in 10 years. Just don't forget where you put it!

The necktie, which is basically a
long piece of cloth tied in a knot, is a snazzy fashion invention that
dates back to the 17th century with the neckerchief. The necktie has
developed into different variations over the years, meshing or clashing
with the changing fashion eras (i.e. the clip-on, bow tie, skinny tie,
novelty ties, silk ties, and ties for women). Primarily, the necktie had
been a professional staple in wardrobes for men obeying a strict dress
code. With the changing times, the accessory has developed throughout many fashion creations
(the necktie skirt), tie trends
like ties worn with casual wear, and terrible fads like females
sporting the necktie with obscenely short skirts (such an fashion
eye-sore!) During National Tie Month, let your BEST tie be seen!

Human rights are the fundamental rights which every living person is
entitled to, and are considered to be universal rights or laws
regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, country or time. Human Rights Month
encourages greater awareness of human rights, and promotes the
continuing struggle to ensure that all people have access to life’s
basic necessities.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere, especially in scrumptious fall dessert recipes! First thought, of course, is pumpkin pie. Next is maybe pumpkin ice cream or pumpkin cupcakes. Then, there is always pumpkin cheesecake. Nope! None of these. There are numerous variations/usages for pumpkin with today being no exception. It is absolutely the perfect addition for today's celebration!

November 30 is...

National Mousse Day

What better mousse than Pumpkin Mousse at this time of year! Before delving into this light as air & perfect for fall recipe, let's examine exactly what encompasses the mousse.

mousse

mo͞os/

noun

1.

a sweet or savory dish made as a smooth light mass with whipped cream and beaten eggs, flavored with chocolate, fish, etc., and typically served chilled.

What gives the mousse its lightness? It is not just the fact it is made with whipped cream and beaten eggs (some recipes call for the yolks, others the whites). Actually we can thank the teeny, tiny air bubbles formed from the whipping that gives mousse its signature delicateness. During the 1800s, chocolate mousse was a specialty in French restaurants and is probably the most popular mousse to this day. In the 21st century, it can be found in restaurants and prepared in home kitchens worldwide.

On to the pumpkin mousse...

Pumpkin or sweet potato are common flavors associated with the holiday recipes. Variations according to taste makes either dish unique and personal.

Basic Pumpkin MousseMousse is also referred to as a mass of tiny bubbles that forms on the top of a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. So, serve your mousse in a champagne glass for a unique presentation!

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Great stories evolve from life events. The dramas of life keep the stories coming and the music playing. Many entertainers come from impoverished situations, doors open, doors close, windows open to new views and opportunities. Different paths appear ahead which in turn lead to new destinations. Some travels occur cross country while others across seas. As a result of many journeys, legends are born.

Glenn Campbell was born the seventh son in a family of 12 children in the small town of
Delight, Arkansas. His family made their living as sharecroppers but they instilled in Campbell an interest in music when he was a young boy. By the time he
was 16, he had pawned his guitar and moved to Albuquerque, New
Mexico to join his uncle's band. This launched a career that later highlighted Glen Campbell as a successful Country and Pop recording star, and host of his
own variety television show. He racked up numerous accolades including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance ('By the Time I Get to Phoenix'), Grammy Award for Best Country and Western Recording ('Gentle')and recipient of a Golden Globe nomination. He was
inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

1968 Glen Campbell started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album
chart with 'Wichita Lineman'. Jimmy Webb's inspiration for the lyrics
came while driving through Washita County in northern Oklahoma. Webb was
driving through an endless litany of telephone poles, each looking
exactly the same as the last. Then, in the distance, he noticed the
silouette of a solitary lineman atop a pole. Webb then "put himself atop
that pole and put that phone in his hand" as he considered what the
lineman was saying into the receiver.

In 2011, Glen Campbell came forward with a powerful, completely candid
announcement that rippled throughout the entertainment world. With wife
Kim by his side, Glen revealed that he had been diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, which eventually
robs one of memory. Continued HERE...

More on this day...

1971Sly And The Family Stone were at No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Family Affair', their fourth and final No.1. Rolling Stone magazine
later ranked the song #138 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of
All Time.

1985Wham! Were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'I'm Your Man', the duo's third UK No.1, a No.3 hit in the US.

1991Michael Jackson scored his fourth UK No.1 album with his eighth
studio album Dangerous. The album has sold over 32 million copies
worldwide making it one of the best selling albums of all time.

1997Metallica were at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Reload’, the bands third US No.1 album.

2008Take That went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Greatest Day', their 11th UK No.1 which was taken from their 2008 album The
Circus. Also on this day, The Killers went to No.1 on the UK album chart
with Day & Age the bands third album.

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About Me

Sharla is a graduate of Troy State University and an educator with a flair for writing in poetic verse. Her latest book, Awakenings from Then ’til Now is available from Tate Publishing. It is dedicated to those who laid the foundation and established the platform for our American freedom: those who have served in the past, presently serve, or will serve our military forces in the future. A profound appreciation is extended for the sacrifice of these brave men and women who left or will leave their homes and family to ensure America’s freedom endures.

A grave price is being paid every moment of every day of the year for all the freedom America has to offer. Let us not forget those who have fought or are fighting for our nation; they are the epitome of the human spirit called freedom!